Taking the NextStep: A Guide to Modern Aging Care Options

As we and/or our loved ones age, finding the correct type of care becomes a top priority. With several options available, understanding their differences can help you make the best choice. Working with a professional NextStep Family Advisor who already has relationships with and knows various senior care settings may be your best option.

Among the most common senior living options are independent living communities, assisted living communities, enhanced assisted living, continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), skilled nursing facilities, memory support communities, and adult family homes. While each option serves modern agers, they vary in terms of the level of care they provide, their environments, and the types of residents they accommodate.

Independent Living Communities cater to seniors who are generally healthy and independent but prefer the convenience of not living alone. These communities offer a maintenance-free lifestyle, allowing residents to enjoy amenities like housekeeping, meals, transportation, and social activities without the responsibilities of homeownership.

This type of living is ideal for modern agers who can manage their daily activities but want to eliminate tasks like cooking, cleaning, and lawn maintenance. Independent living communities offer opportunities for socializing and staying active, with various recreational activities and events. However, independent living communities do not provide medical care or assistance with daily tasks, so they are best suited for self-sufficient people. If more assistance is needed, individuals may need to transition to a different care setting, such as assisted living.

Assisted Living Communities are designed for people who need help with some daily activities but do not require 24-hour medical care. These communities provide personal assistance with tasks like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management, while allowing residents to maintain a greater level of independence than they would in a skilled nursing facility.

Assisted living communities offer various services, including housekeeping, transportation, and social programs. Residents usually live in private apartments or rooms and have access to staff who are available to assist with their daily needs. This balance of support and independence makes assisted living an attractive option for older adults who require help but still wish to live in a less clinical environment.

Enhanced Assisted Living (EAL) is a higher level of care for seniors who need more help with daily activities than those in standard assisted living communities but do not require the constant medical supervision of a skilled nursing facility. These communities offer additional services like increased support with personal care such as managing incontinence, assisting with mobility, and more robust medication management.

The goal of enhanced assisted living is to provide residents with a higher level of comfort and security while allowing them to maintain independence for as long as possible. Enhanced assisted living communities may also offer specialized care for conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, and they often provide more specialized staff, including nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs), or nursing homes, provide the highest level of care for seniors who need continuous medical supervision and assistance with daily activities. These facilities are equipped to handle various medical needs, including chronic illnesses, post-surgical recovery, and rehabilitation. Skilled nursing facilities have licensed nurses and healthcare professionals on-site to provide specialized medical care, administer medications, and assist with rehabilitation.

Residents in skilled nursing facilities typically require significant assistance with care such as bathing, dressing, and eating. These facilities offer personal care and skilled medical treatments, making them suitable for individuals with severe health conditions or complex medical needs. However, skilled nursing facilities tend to be more institutional in nature, which can feel less homely compared to other senior living options.

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offers a unique model by providing multiple levels of care within a single community. Modern agers can begin their journey in independent living and then transition to assisted living, enhanced assisted living, or even skilled nursing care as their needs change over time. This is ideal for individuals who want to “age in place” and avoid the stress of moving to a different facility when their care needs increase.

CCRCs provide a comprehensive, long-term solution, offering a continuum of care to ensure that residents receive appropriate care at each stage of their lives. They often require an entrance fee, which can be a barrier for some, but a CCRC can be an excellent choice for those seeking a long-term care solution that adapts with their health needs.

Memory support care communities are specialized facilities designed for seniors with various types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive impairments. These communities offer a secure environment and tailored care to help residents with memory loss maintain their independence and quality of life. Staff members are trained to assist individuals with cognitive challenges and provide a higher level of supervision to ensure safety.

Memory support communities often have enhanced security to prevent residents from wandering, a common concern for individuals with dementia. The environment is structured to reduce confusion and anxiety. These communities also offer therapeutic activities like art therapy, music therapy, and memory exercises to engage residents and promote cognitive stimulation. Since memory supportive care requires specialized care, these communities typically have a higher staff-to-resident ratio, ensuring more personalized attention.

Adult Family Homes (AFHs) are small, residential care settings typically with six or fewer residents. These homes are often located in quiet neighborhoods, providing a more intimate, home-like atmosphere. Managed by a family or a small group of caregivers, these homes offer personalized care to residents.

Adult family homes’ primary focus is to assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. They are ideal for seniors who need some help but do not require intensive medical care, offering a homier, more personalized environment. However, these homes may not be equipped to handle complex medical conditions or severe cognitive impairments. If a resident’s health declines significantly, they may need to transition to a more specialized facility.

The best senior living option depends upon an individual’s health needs, preferences, lifestyle, and finances. A NextStep Family Advisor can assist in looking at all those aspects and help you narrow the available options to a manageable level.